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Milford musical promises big ‘corporate ladder’ laughs

Published 12:04 a.m. ET Nov. 12, 2015

From left, Emily Herman, Mackenzie Manley, Jonah Bellore and Taylor Manley rehearse for the MHS fall musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The show opens Nov. 20.(Photo: Submitted)

The Milford High School Theatre Company presents this year’s fall musical, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, the musical follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who uses a little handbook called “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” to climb the corporate ladder – from lowly window washer to high-powered executive – tackling familiar but potent dangers such as the aggressively compliant “company man,” the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.

Big business means big laughs in this delightfully clever lampoon of life on the corporate ladder. A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm 54 years ago, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize.

An irreverent and tuneful romp, jam-packed with sly, swift, and sharp jabs to the funny bone, producers say the show is a sure-fire hit.

Fifty-one Milford High students have been practicing since early September, learning the music with MHS Vocal Music Director Maryann Lambrecht and MHS Career Coordinator Brenda Granroth, who has also earned the title “accompanist extraordinaire.”

MHS English/Drama teacher Megan Weeks took charge of staging, with choreography by Suzanne Jonna of Suzanne’s Main Street Dance.

Over 20 students also make up the crew for the show, serving in such roles as lighting, costuming, make-up, painting, and backstage crew.

Costume Manager Melinda Mihail-Fries ensures all the actors look fabulous. Lambrecht will be heading up the pit orchestra once again and CPA Assistant Manager Sarah Martin handle the technical direction. In all, over 100 people involved in making this annual fall production a success.

Reserved seating tickets are now on sale, and the show promises to be a sell-out – so get your tickets early.

The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 and at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 the MHS Center for Performing Arts.

Online tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students/youth/seniors (with an additional $1 processing fee per ticket). Visit mhsperformingarts.com and click on “tickets.”

All ticket ordering takes place online, where patrons can view, select seating and print tickets. Online sales cease four hours prior to each curtain, and leftover seats will be sold at the door for an additional cost.